All About the American Pit Bull Terrier

The Pit Bull

A breed near and dear to my heart, the vicious American Pit Bull Terrier has definitely stolen a pretty big chunk out of my soul. A little drastic- yes- maybe but, the truth.

What do I find so great about this dog breed?

Simple... Courage. Loyalty. Strength. Beauty.

To me this powerful dog breed represents the greatness that I want to be and the greatness that I want in my life.

Yes, the breed is a powerful one and without proper training, socialization, and care, the breed can be dominant and aggressive, but you have to remember that they were never bred for human aggression, as these dogs were top- most family pets with a job- dog fighting.

Well, not so much Demon, but Gotti instead; my vicious APBT sleeps in my bed every night. I'm not only mentally challenged for having a Pit Bull as a pet (so says a "pit bull" basher), but I must be legally insane for letting one sleep in my bed. ;-) Find out basic temperament characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed.

The APBT is a great breed, and with proper training and socialization can be a wonderful dog. You will find that they have no prone health disorders and can be as loyal to you as a good friend. Before deciding to take the plunge to bring home an APBT, make sure that you do your research about the breed, as you want to make sure that you know what you'll be up against.

Because American Pit Bull Terriers and other pit bull type dogs are constantly under the evil eye, you want to make sure that you are a responsible owner if you choose to share your life and heart to a dog of the bully breed classification. You'll find very basic, and mostly common sense tips to how to be a responsible pet parent to a bully breed dog.

Origin of the Pit Bull

Dog fighting in any sense is a gruesome "sport" (if you wish to call it that), but dog fighting in the beginning was nothing like it is to today's mind and eye. In the beginning, dog fighting had strict rules and regulations for the dog's owner and even stricter rules for the dog.

Gameness is common referred to as aggression and viciousness, but it's really the sheer determination, under any circumstance, to win, whether that circumstance is protecting its owner or trying to survive.

Because of the dog fighting background and the multiple alleged attacks (not all reported "pit bull" attacks are truly caused by "pit bulls".. see Severe Dog Attacks link below) Breed Specific Legislation have come to play in many districts. I don't think that this is the solution by any means; what do you think?

Pit Bulls in the Media

The American Pit Bull Terrier and other "pit bull" type dogs have been in the media for decades, and not all of those reports were bad reports.

The "pit bull" has been a war veteran, as well as a drug sniffing dog, search and rescue dog, and hearing dogs. The breed is the only breed to have been featured on the cover of "Life" magazine 3 times, in addition to war propaganda posters, and the Buster Brown shoe advertisements.

Dog Attacks and Pit Bull Myths

Find out some truths to the stories that you hear on the news. Find out what you may, or may not know, about the breed that the media views as inherently vicious with a special taste bud for humans. There are other dog breeds from the past who have had similar reputations as that to the American Pit Bull Terrier and other pit bull type dogs, and these dogs have had their image reshaped and rebuilt. It can happen again.

Published References About the APBT

Find my favorite books about caring for Pit Bulls, training Pit Bulls, and myths about Pit Bulls. With any pet, whether reptile, small mammal, fish, cat, or dog, it's always great to have a reference book to be able to read up on.

There are four really good documentaries displaying the underground fighting rings and the stereotypical "pit bull." But, you'll also find footage of the family pet and child protector. These documentaries are uncensored film footage.

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Comments 12 comments

Eternal Evolution 7 years ago from kentucky

As always your hub is packed with great information.

Whitney05 8 years ago from Georgia Author

bspilner thanks for the comment. It's true, though. In many cases when the dogs were retired from fighting, they were given family pet positions to thank them for their work. I'm actually going to be working on several pit dogs and their history next month.

bspilner 8 years ago from Altanta, Ga.

"never bred for human aggression... family pets with a job dog fighting." This is my favorite part of this article. I didnt quote you perfectly but I respect your choice of words on this matter. I have never heard it put so well in so few words! Great hub and excellent wording.

summer 8 years ago

well written u share the same views as every employee at the St.LUCE COUNTY HUMANE SOCITY.we all own at least two pitbulls a piece out of the 20 plus. so we loved ur hub.

Whitney05 8 years ago from Georgia Author

Steph, thank you.

Compu-smart, I wish that statement applied to all dogs of whatever size, color, or breed. :-\

msms, I do hope that the hub was easy to read and understand. I just hope that people can one day understand this wonderful breed.

whitney, you link does not pull up a hub, but I did find it, you can by all means link this hub or any of my APBT hubs to you hub (but of course all my APBT hubs are linked to this one).